BASEBALL BASKETBALL CROSS COUNTRY GOLF LACROSSE SOCCER TENNIS

BASKETBALL CROSS COUNTRY FIELD HOCKEY GOLF LACROSSE SOCCER SOFTBALL SWIMMING & DIVING TENNIS VOLLEYBALL WATER POLO

STAFF DIRECTORY MISSION STATEMENT TICKETS SPIRIT GROUPS COMPLIANCE SUPPORT SERVICES CURRENT STUDENT-
ATHLETES FACILITIES/TRAVEL MARKETING/PROMOTIONS SUPPORT THE SAINTS CORPORATE SPONSORS RECREATION GENERAL RELEASES HALL OF FAME ANNUAL REPORTS WIRELESS UPDATES SIENA COLLEGE HOME

Jan. 6, 2008

Final Stats

Albany, N.Y. - Junior guard Shondaya Burrell equaled a season-high 25 points leading the Siena women's basketball team to a 78-65 victory over Canisius (6-8, 1-2) this afternoon at the Times Union Center. Four Saints combined for Siena's (5-8, 1-2) total scoring output, and three managed 20+ point performances. The victory extends Siena's winning streak over Canisius to three games.

"This was a huge win for us," stated head coach Gina Castelli. "We got off to a slow start, but really picked it up in the second half. I was very happy with everyone's contributions today."

The Saints harbored a two point lead at the 15:51 mark in the first half when Laura Menty drained a pair of free-throws. This proved to be the Saints largest lead of period as the Golden Griffins responded with a 20-5 run over the next eight minutes taking a commanding 28-15 advantage.

Senior tri-captain Melissa Manzer helped Siena shoot its way back into the contest connecting on three of her four first half treys sparking a 13-2 Saints run. Manzer finished with 14 points over the first 20 minutes on 5-8 shooting.

The Golden Griffins took a 35-29 advantage into intermission. Canisius's bench outscored the Saints 9-0 over the first stanza, and 12-0 in the contest.

Siena worked its way out of this rut in the second half thanks to efficient shooting. The Saints went a perfect 16-16 from the charity stripe and 68.2% from the field. Burrell went off for 23 points in the second and nearly missed a triple-double finishing with 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Menty and Manzer complemented Burrell with 21 points apiece. Junior forward Heather Stec managed her third career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Siena's second half comeback snapped a seven game losing streak when trailing at intermission this season. It also broke up a four game losing streak.

The Saints finished shooting a stunning 86.4% (19-22) from the line, including a perfect 7-7 from Menty. She improves to 85.1% from the line this season and has connected on 24 straight free-throws.

With the victory, Siena earns its first league win of the season and harbors a 1-2 MAAC record. The squad prepares for a three game road series which begins on Friday at Manhattan. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. in Riverdale, N.Y.